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A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor, a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Class aids
local firms

By Stephanie Gomon

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 35 - July 16, 1998

The Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management in the College of
Forestry and Wildlife Resources aided local forest-products companies last
semester by developing business and marketing plans.
Graduate students in Wood 5614, Forest Products Marketing and Management
Strategies, developed plans for expansion of two firms: Environmentally
Sensitive Logging and Lumber Co., Inc of Cooper Hill, and Woodward Woodworks of
Floyd.
These expansions can help create additional jobs in the region and add value
to products shipped out of state. Jason Rutledge of the lumber company and Rich
Woodward of the woodworks business met with students and discussed their
needs.
Rutledge's company is a small business that offers timber harvesting using
horses as an alternative to mechanized logging. Students worked with him on a
marketing plan to help grow his business. His products will carry the brand
name Draftwood.
Woodward Woodworks specializes in custom woodworking and produces wooden
display stands for a major marketer of sunglasses. The company's strength lies
in its medium size, which allows it to produce specialty products in quantities
too large for small cabinet shops, but too small for large manufacturers.
Graduate students demonstrated how to use flexibility in design and production
to diversify the product line into other items.
Course instructor Robert Bush explained, "This is a great educational
opportunity for all parties. Students have a chance to work on real problems
and local companies benefit from their work."